unbalanced

Everyday

1. Unbalanced means not steady, likely to tip or fall because the weight is not spread evenly. tree →
2. An unbalanced diet or report has too much of some things and not enough of others; it is not fair or even. tree →
3. (old, unkind) Unbalanced can describe a person who is mentally unwell — avoid this use. tree →
4. (maths, science) An unbalanced equation or set of forces is not equal on both sides. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, unbalanced forces make things start moving, speed up or change direction; balanced forces keep them steady. In maths, the two sides of an equation must balance. In health lessons, an unbalanced diet is not healthy. Phrases: unbalanced forces, an unbalanced diet, unbalanced teams.

Examples

• The tower was unbalanced and fell over. tree →
• Eating only chips is an unbalanced diet. tree →
• The teams are unbalanced: one has 8 players and the other 5. tree →
• Unbalanced forces make the ball move. tree →
• The scale is unbalanced because one side is heavier. tree →
• If one side of an equation is 10 and the other is 12, it is unbalanced. tree →

Note

«Un-» + «balanced». Opposite: balanced. Using «unbalanced» about a person's mind is old and can be hurtful; say «unwell» instead. In maths, to fix unbalanced teams, move players: 8 and 5 → 13 ÷ 2 is not whole, so they can't be exactly equal.